ing that it rarely flowers under cultivation. In habit it is similar
to C. Berlandieri. A plant 8 in. across bears about twenty short
branches, each of which, under careful cultivation will produce several
flowers in the months of May and June, and these, when expanded, last
about eight days before withering; they close every afternoon, opening
about ten o'clock in the morning. The petals are arranged in a single
series, spreading so as to form a shallow cup, and are notched on the
edges near the upper end. They are coloured a deep purple-lilac on the
upper half, the lower part being white, like a large pied daisy. The
stamens are pure white; the anthers orange-coloured, as also is the
star-shaped stigma. The plant is a native of Mexico, and was introduced
in 1860. It requires the same treatment as the preceding kinds. The
illustration is sufficient to show the beauty of this little creeping
Cactus, which, although so long known, is not grown in English gardens,
though it is common enough in Continental collections.

[Illustration: FIG. 23.--CEREUS LEPTACANTHUS.]

C. multiplex (proliferous); Fig. 24.--A globose-stemmed species,
becoming pear-shaped with age; height 6 in., by 4 in. in diameter; ridges
angled, clothed with clusters of about a dozen spines, the central one
longest. Flowers 6 in. to 8 in. long, and about the same across the
spreading petals; tube clothed with small, hairy scales; the sepals long
and pointed; petals 2 in. or more long, 1 in. wide, spreading out quite
flat; stamens arranged in a ring, with the whitish-rayed stigma in the
middle. This species flowers in autumn. It is a native of South Brazil,
and was introduced in 1840. It thrives best when kept in a warm, sunny
position in a window or heated greenhouse.

[Illustration: FIG. 24.--CEREUS MULTIPLEX.]

At Fig. 25 is a curious variety of the above, the stem being fasciated
and divided into numerous crumpled, flattened branches. It is remarkable
as a monster form of the type plant. So far as is known, neither this
nor any other of the monster Cactuses produces flowers.

[Illustration: FIG. 25.--CEREUS MULTIPLEX CRISTATUS.]

C. paucispinus (few-spined); Bot. Mag. 6774.--A dwarf-stemmed species
of recent introduction, and one which, owing to the beauty of its
flowers and the hardy nature of the plant, is certain to find much
favour among growers of Cactuses. The stem is about 9 in. high, by 2 in.
to 4 in. in diameter, the base much wider than th